Los Angeles Angels General Manager Perry Minasian has made a grim announcement: star outfielder Mike Trout will miss the remainder of the 2024 season due to a torn left meniscus. This latest setback adds to an alarming trend of injuries that have plagued the former MVP in recent years.
Trout's Roller Coaster of Injuries
The meniscus tear, initially suffered on April 29, kept Trout out of action for the majority of the 2024 season. At that point, he had participated in just 29 games but had already demonstrated his power by hitting 10 home runs. Regrettably, this has become a familiar narrative for the Angels' star. Over the past four seasons, Trout has played in only 266 of a possible 648 games, translating to a mere 41% participation rate.
His performance post-All-Star breaks from 2021 to 2024 paints a similar picture. During this stretch, Trout managed to appear in only 41 games. As he approaches his 33rd birthday next week, the once-durable outfielder faces the harsh reality that his body may be moving past its prime.
A Contract with Weighty Implications
In March 2019, Trout signed a mammoth 12-year, $426.5 million extension with the Angels, a move initially celebrated by fans and analysts alike. Six years into this deal, however, the ramifications are becoming more apparent. Trout remains under contract through 2030, with the Angels obligated to pay him $35.45 million per year from 2025 to 2030, totaling $212.7 million over six years.
These financial commitments are burdensome, especially given Trout's inability to stay healthy. The substantial sum owed to him is increasingly seen as a potential burden for the franchise.
A Legacy of Failed Expectations
Despite having both Trout and the dynamic two-way player Shohei Ohtani on their roster for the past six seasons, the Angels have yet to post a winning record or make a postseason appearance during this period. The team's last taste of postseason action was back in 2014, when they were swept by the Kansas City Royals in the Division Series.
Management decisions have not helped. Arte Moreno, the team owner, imposed a restriction on surpassing the competitive balance tax threshold, a factor that has limited the team’s ability to build a comprehensive and competitive roster. The Angels have become renowned for poor player development, questionable free agent signings, and a series of trades that have not panned out.
Last August, the Angels shed payroll to avoid the competitive balance tax. This cost-cutting measure is indicative of broader struggles within the organization, struggles that have persisted despite having one of the most talented players in baseball on their roster.
Mike Trout: A Bright Star Dimmed by Injury
Mike Trout's frequent injuries and the looming financial commitment attached to his contract cast a long shadow over his career and the future of the Angels. His achievements, including an MVP-winning season in 2019 and a top-five MVP finish in 2020, underscore his talent and impact when healthy. However, his continued absence due to injury raises questions about his future and the franchise's ability to manage these challenges effectively.
The Los Angeles Angels, often considered one of the most mismanaged franchises in baseball, face significant questions moving forward. How they navigate the next few seasons, balancing financial obligations with on-field performance, will be critical. Yet for now, the focus squarely remains on Trout and the frustrating, ongoing saga of his injuries.